Socialization
Socializing puppies has traditionally been considered the responsibility of the new puppy owner. Everyone is accustomed to hearing "make sure you socialize your puppy". While this is still very crucial and accurate, research has shown that beginning exposures and encouraging socialization should start at the third week of a puppy's life. Because puppies eyes are opening, they can hear, and have some mobility, we can begin to expose during this crucial socialization period. Through the time puppy is with us, we will introduce different types of exposures including whelping box exposure, sound exposure, different locations and different activities or problem solving exposures.
Whelping Box Exposure
Because the puppy's primary place is their whelping box, this is where their exposures will begin. Items we expose them to are gentle and safe. They are not unpredictable or abrasive. The goal of these activities is to build trust with the puppy while providing something new and fun. We let them be curious and engage as they please. If the puppies tolerate the new exposures well, we will add more each day. Below is a sample of items we introduce to the whelping box.
|
|
|
Video Examples of Exposures
|
|
|
Sound Exposure
Exposing puppies to a variety of sounds is very important for their development. I am sure you have heard of dogs being frightened during a thunder storm or getting scared of the garbage truck. By exposing puppies to these types of sounds early in development, we can aid with preventing some of this fear. There are so many sounds out there that we are used to and seem normal to us in every day life, but to a dog a baby crying, a vacuum moving, a hair dryer and leaf blower may seem like the end of their world. Introducing these sounds are not a 100% preventative method, but it will help them gain confidence while you continue their sound exposure and socialization once home. Below is a list of some of the sounds we introduce (we are always adding more), we start with more mellow sounds around three weeks old and will adjust based on the puppies needs.
|
|
Activity Exposure
If you follow us on Facebook, you will see with each video we post, we are always adding new activity exposures for our puppies. What this means is adding something as simple as an item to their environment. We start with stationary items and slowly will introduce items that make a sound or movement. These items are there to expose puppies to all the fun things they will encounter as they grow. By exposing them to a large variety of items, we are helping puppies gain confidence and problem solving skills. We make decisions on when to add new items based on how puppies are reacting to what is introduced because each litter is different and we want to work at their pace. Below is a breakdown of the activities we introduce based on age. As they get older we will re introduce past items.
Days 28-34
|
Days 35-41
|
Days 42-56
|
